Mit zwei Berufslehren von der Baustelle ins Controlling
Es ist nie zu spät, sich neu aufzustellen – auch wenn die Neuorientierung anfangs nicht ganz freiwillig erfolgt. Gregor Thürlemann erzählt, wie er nach seiner Lehre als Zimmermann bei Implenia aufgrund von gesundheitlichen Problemen mit 27 noch einmal ganz von vorne anfangen musste – und warum er nach einer zweiten Berufslehre, wieder bei Implenia, heute als Junior Controller sehr zuversichtlich in die Zukunft blickt.
My name is Gregor Thürlemann and I am 30 years old. When I began my apprenticeship as a carpenter at Implenia at the age of 15, I had no idea what was waiting for me. Today, 15 years later, I know that it pays off to leave your comfort zone, accept a new challenge and, above all, to never give up. And it helps if your employer supports you in this.
Apprenticeship number 1: Carpenter
In 2010, I officially completed my apprenticeship as a carpenter. Implenia offered me a permanent position in Timber Construction, and I began work as a carpenter. My career would have been perfect, if my compartment syndrome and chronic periostitis in my shins had not constantly interrupted my work. The first signs came when I was 19. Even after long periods of rest, months of physiotherapy and an operation, the pain returned as soon as I put any weight on my legs. When I was 25, my doctors recommended that I should stop working on the construction site if I was to have any chance of recovery over the next few years. It was very hard to accept, but I had to get used to the idea of a new job.
«I would have to leave construction if I was to have any chance of recovery.»
Gregor Thürlemann, Junior Controller
What should I do now? What type of work can I see myself doing? Where do I see myself in five years? How do I get there? And how does this career path work at Implenia? These were just a few of the dozens of thoughts flying around my head. It was the start of a difficult process, both for my employer and for me.
Looking for the next goal
While I was waiting to start my new career, I was given the opportunity to move to the Implenia Timber Construction office. One of my managers generously suggested I go to construction management school, but I wanted to get away from construction site operations. What I wanted was a 100% office job in a financial department, so I applied to start a commercial apprenticeship at insurance companies, banks and real estate companies – all without success.
«When I first heard the suggestion of a commercial apprenticeship, I was sceptical.»
Gregor Thürlemann
My health counsellor at Implenia, Silvia Günter, helped me to remain patient and, in early 2018, suggested I try out a commercial apprenticeship at Implenia. I was sceptical at first: Would I have to order bricks, tidy up the archive and empty the dishwasher? But what did I have to lose?! I took the opportunity and spent a day at the Implenia headquarters in Dietlikon in March 2018. After that, I knew I wanted to take on a three-year commercial apprenticeship.
Back to school
My new apprenticeship felt odd to start with. Three years ahead of me, 27 years old, most of what I learned at school long since disappeared from my head, and all my classmates ten years younger than me. I quickly got to know the office and was soon given more challenging tasks. Starting at the Wirtschaftsschule KVZ vocational school was a lot more difficult. The level was very demanding for me as a simple “builder”, especially given how many years it had been since I was at school. But I did not let something like that get me down. I knew what I wanted to achieve. I was keen to learn, got to grips with the material, and got at least a B in every subject in my first semester.
«I knew what I wanted to achieve and got at least a B in every subject.»
Gregor Thürlemann
I soon saw how much I enjoyed the work and getting good grades. At the end of the first semester, my main teacher approached me and said that I should switch to the “M” course, the commercial apprenticeship with professional maturity, as that would be more my level. I was delighted – and my vocational coach and the team were right behind me. Compared to the basic apprenticeship, the standard on my new course was very high. I had to catch up on all the work from the first semester, as well as revising for the current exams. On top of that I had to fit in running my home, family and colleagues, hobbies and time to rest. It was a lot of work – but I was so motivated.
Wonderfully diverse training
The diversity of the commercial apprenticeship is just wonderful. At Implenia, apprentices get to choose a different department each semester, getting to know lots of important fields. I deliberately chose departments that would allow me to see as much of the company as possible. Acquisition & Sales, Master Builders Zürich, Tunnel Construction, Finance, Human Resources and Marketing & Communications. In Summer 2021, I completed my apprenticeship as a management assistant with Swiss accreditation and professional maturity.
«Now I know all about what happens on the other side of construction.»
Gregor Thürlemann
I learned a huge amount of academic and business knowledge over the two-year apprenticeship, and had the ideal opportunity to apply it in connection with the departments I visited. Now I know all about what happens on the other side of construction. I began my new role as Junior Controller in September, and am also studying for my part-time bachelor’s degree in Business Economics at ZHAW, focusing on Accounting & Controlling.
When I look back at my 15 years at Implenia, including two apprenticeships, the first thing I feel is gratitude. Gratitude for all the fascinating tasks I have undertaken in the various departments, even while I was still an apprentice. I have seen so many great projects. For the faith that my managers had in me when they encouraged me to undergo further training. And for the fact that, as a large corporation, Implenia brings together such a wide range of activities under one roof. It never gets boring.
